Bristling Warriors back local regiment

The squad, coaches and backroom staff at Worcester Warriors are set to take bristling aggression to a whole new level - by growing beards and moustaches in aid of the local regiment!

Over the next month, Warriors have pledged to abandon their razors and will instead be sporting handlebars, Zapatas and even some big bushy beards in a bid to raise funds for 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment.

Warriors have developed strong links with the local regiment over the last 18 months and last season provided troops with DVDs of league matches and even rugby equipment to help them build relationships with local people abroad. When the troops are back in the UK, Warriors have also made sure they always the best seat in the house to back Mike Ruddock's men.

The squad at Sixways Stadium have now decided to give a very visual seal of approval for the regiment by all taking part in a pre-season facial hair competition to raise money for 'The Soldiers Fund'.

The fund is used to support the welfare of the soldiers that unfortunately have been injured during the latest tour of Afghanistan and also help soldiers celebrate with freedom parades on their return.

Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock, already sporting a new moustache, said: "We are delighted to be able to assist in some small way the 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment who demonstrate their bravery day in and day out on the front line in Afghanistan.

"Their bravery has inspired all at the Warriors and in particular the playing department who wanted to show their respect for the regiment's sacrifices on the field of battle.

"We have now decided to demonstrate our support by growing moustaches, and in some cases beards, during the pre-season period, culminating in a sponsored 'shave off' in August.

"The players at Warriors are keen to support the local regiment and they felt this was a very public and unified way to raise awareness for the brave troops who are involved overseas.

"We are hoping that the public and many of the current sponsors will support this idea in some way so that we can make a significant contribution to The Soldiers Fund that helps to provide for injured soldiers and members of soldier's families who will have lost loved ones during the conflict."

Fans who want to pledge money to The Soldiers Fund can do so by sending in cheques to Soldiers Fund, c/o Karen Andrews, Worcester Warriors, Sixways Stadium, Warriors Way, Worcester, WR3 8ZE. We will then we will pass on all payments to the local regiment. Cheques should be made payable to 'CENTRAL BANK 2 MERCIAN' and marked 'For Soldiers Fund' on the reverse.